Clipping and shearing device



Dec. 30, 1941. l. JEPSON CLIPPING AND SHEARING DEVICE Filed Feb. l0, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Dec. 30, 1941. l. JEPsoN 2,268,035

GLIPPING AND SHEARING DEVICE Filed Feb. 10, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Dec. 30, 1941. l. JEPsoN 2,268,035

CLIPPING AND SHEARING DEVICE Filed Feb. 10, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Dec. 30, 1941 CLIPPING AND SHEARING DEVICE Ivar Jepson, Chicago, lll., assignor to Chicago- Flexible Shaft Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application February 1o, 1940, serial No. 318,379

(c1. :ao- 221).

33 Claims.

My invention relates to clippers or shears of the kind adapted for clipping or shearing the hair of animals. It is applicable to so-called clippers for clipping horses, cows and other animals of this group and also to so-called shears for shearing sheep.

It is the prime necessity in clippers and shears to provide means for maintaining pressure between the blades so that the blade teeth will be disposed in the proper cutting relation under operating conditions. Furthermore, as the blades become dulled or as various matted or other hair conditions are encountered, it is necessary to increase the pressure between the blades to obtain satisfactory results. Under prior constructions these objects have been obtained, if at all, at a sacrifice of smoothness and efficiency in operation because of high friction and binding of parts caused by the pressure applying means.

In an efort to overcome the high frictional drag such prior constructions not only required a much more cumbersome and heavier power unit that was particularly disadvantageous if the motor and the blade actuating portions were a rigid unit, but in the case of electrically powered clippers required a relatively high power input. In fact, I have found by tests that the watt input at the lower blade pressures exceeds that required by my invention, and that considerably higher watt inputs are required in prior clippers as the pressure is increased, as compared with that required by my invention under similar pressure conditions.

It is, therefore, the principal object of this invention to provide a clipper or shear having improved operating eiiciencies. More particularly, I have provided a device of this kind having an improved adjustable tension control through which the pressure between the blades may be regulated. This tension control through its unique construction so reduces the friction, and consequently the watt input over the entire adjustable pressure range, that new and valuable results are obtained.

Another object of my invention is to provide a tension control of sufiicient sensitivity and yet of such compact design that the optimum pressure required for the particular cutting operation may be accurately obtained.

Another object of my invention is to provide a clipping or shearing device having a novel design and construction of spring elements constituting the blade guiding and tensioning means, which serves to reduce the bearing pressure in the operating means and tends to hold the cutter 53 ping hair of animals such as horses and cows. aS-

yieldingly in a center rest position so as to compensate for the mass weight of the cutter and cross-head at the outward termini of movement, thereby substantially reducing vibration and wear of moving parts.

A further object is to generally improve the construction of devices of this class with the view to promoting economy in cost of manufacture and also in use.

Other objects and advantages will be appreciated by those skilled in this art as the invention becomes better understood by reference to the following description when considered in connec. tion with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a complete clipper unit embodying my invention, and an electric motor casing applied thereto providing a convenient handle for manipulating the clipper;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal vertical cross section through the clipper;

Fig. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the spring elements and associated parts which provide the combined guiding and tensioning means for the cutter blades;

Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the clipper with the comb and cutter removed;

Fig. 5 is a top elevation of the clipper shown in Fig. 2 with a cutaway horizontal section showing the pivotal mounting of one of the spring elements;

Fig. 6 is a vertical transverse section on the line 6--6 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is a top elevation of the oscillating spring elements and cross-head at one terminus oi' movement with the opposite terminus in dotted lines;

Fig. 8 is a detail plan view of the laminations of one spring element in the course of assembling;

Figs. 9 and 10 are vertical transverse sections on the lines 9-9 and Ill-l0 respectively, of Fig. 2;

Fig. 11 is a plan view of a clipper embodying a modified form of my invention, with certain top parts removed;

Fig. 12 is a vertical section-taken.substantially on the line l2-l2 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a detail section on the line I3--I3 of Fig. 12; and

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the blade guiding and tensioning structure of the clipper shown in Figs. 11 to 13.

It will be observed that my invention is here applied to a so-called clipper adapted forclipdistinguished from a device for shearing sheep, in which latter device a different form of blades, commonly known as comb and cutter, would be used along with suitable modifications. Also, while my improved clipper may be driven by any suitable means or source of power, I have h'ere shown it directly coupled to a small electric motor which forms the handle for manipulating the clipper.

Referring more particularly to the modification shown in Figs. 1 to 10, inclusive, the handle and motor portion generally referred to as II houses a suitable electric motor having a rotatable armature shaft I2 (Fig. 2), extending lengthwise therein. The clipper casing, designated generally by I3, is rigidly attached to the motor housing` by suitable means such as a mounting plate I4 located therebetween and a plurality of screws, only one of which is shown at I5. The clipper casing is of unique construction, being a onepiece die-casting so shaped and proportioned as to provide a strong, compact supporting body, protective casing and lubricate reservoir for the novel organization of parts therein. 'I'he rear portion I8 of the clipper casing extends upwardly at right angles to the forward portio-n I1 to provide an enclosure for the reception of reduction gears for driving the clipper blade or cutter, and to provide suitable air inlet openings for cooling the electric motor. In this instance an air filter screen I8 covers said openings and a. removable plate i9 holds the screen in position. The motor drives the blade operating shaft 2l through suitable reduction gears 22, 23, 24 and 25, the intermediate gears 23 and 24 being suitably mounted on a stub bearing shaft 26 which is riveted to the plate I4 at 21. The shaft is journalled within a long cylindrical bushing 28 which is removably fitted into a suitable bore extending along the median line of the casing and in this instance threaded thereinto at 29 until limited by a shoulder 3|. At its forward end the shaft has an annular flange 32 and a crank-pin 33 projecting therefrom. A crank-pin block 34 having squared sides either of the opposite pair of which are adapted to oscillate within vertical guide walls 35 on a cross-head 36, is rotatably mounted on the crank-pin 33. It is clear, therefore, that as the shaft rotates the block 34 will complete an upward and downward cycle within the guide walls 35 of the crosshead for each revolution of the crank-pin, thereby causing the cross-head 36 to oscillate transversely. The cross-head engages with the movable cutter 31 through a pair of cone-shaped, downwardly projecting points 38 each located near an end of the cross-head and tting within corresponding conical bores 39 in the top side of the cutter on a line inwardly from cutting teeth. The cutter, of conventional construction, is slidably mounted on a stationary blade or comb 4I which is rigidly clamped .to the casing by screws 42 located proximate to each rear corner of the comb near th'e outer sides oi' the casing. This gives a broad, stable support to the comb andv allows ample space between the clamping screws for locating the cutter motivating mechanism therebetween as shown in Figs. 9 and 10. An intermediate supporting rib 43 integral with the bearing portion of the casing projects downwardly therefrom at the center to give additional support to the comb.

My invention provides novel means for oscillating the cutter in a guided stroke and for applying tension to the cutter, comprising a pair of laminated spring elements designated generally by 44 arranged at opposite sides of and normally parallel with the crank shaft. The forward end of each spring element ts into a vertical slot 45 in the cross-head and is fixedly secured thereto by a rivet pin 46. Also, the front edge of each spring element is cut on a bevel as shown in Fig. 3 and ts against a corresponding wall of the slot 4.5 to insure proper thrust transmitting conneet-ion with the cross-head. In order to provde for relatively long spring elements within the desired space limits I have formed large vertical slots 41 in the interior of the casing extending rearwardly some distance around the casing portion 48 which provides part of a lubricant reservoir for the drive gearing, for reception of the rear ends of the spring elements. I pivotally mount these elements within this slotted portion so that they are free to swing vertically upon fulcrum mountings at their rear ends. In this instance each spring element has a fulcrum bore 49 in its rear end which receives an annular fulcrum pin 5I integral with a spacer washer 52 which is clamped to the casing by a screw 53, as best shown in Fig. 5. This mounting prevents any lateral movement of the spring elements in the slots and yet permits free vertical pivotal movement ofvsuch elements. The screws 53 are removable through the outer side of the casing for assembly and replacement of the spring elements from the under side of the casing. It is apparent that as the cross-head 36 is oscillated transversely by the crank shaft the desired alignment of the cross-head with respect to the comb will be maintained through the guiding action of the, spring elements.

It is necessary in clippers of this character to provide means for tensioning the movable cutter upon the comb so that their opposed teeth will be maintained in the proper cutting relation. Furthermore, means must be provided for regulating this tension in order to adapt the clipper to coarse, fine or matted hair and also to com- 45 pensate for the dulling of the cutting teeth resulting through use. Provision is made in my invention for obtaining these results with a minimum of friction through the spring elements already described as having a guiding function. A tension cross-bar 54 of spring metal seats on the forward end of the spring arms 55 which are extended in a reverse curve forwardly from the pivot mounting end, and is located thereon against displacement by lugs 56 which enter complemental notches in the cross-bar. A tension screw 51 suitably threaded in a tension plate 58 removably clamped to the casing by means of screws 59, has a swivel thrust connection to the center of the tension cross-bar 54, as best shown in Fig. 6. It is evident that as the tension cross-bar is made to bear against the springs by the tightening of the tension screw the forward ends of the pivotally mounted spring elements will force the cross-head yieldingly, downwardly into the cutter so as to increase the tension between the cutter and the comb. 'I'his arrangement also equalizes the pressure application to the cutter and the tension application at any one adjustment position is, therefore, uniform over the range of cutter movement. Since the reverse members 55 of the spring elements are maintained in substantially a stationary position with respect to any lateral vibratory movement of the lower members which are actuated by the cross-head, no frictional drag is imposed upon the moving `parts of this clipper by the described means for applying pressure to the springs. Furthermore, by reason. of the tiltable cone-point engagement of the cross-head and cutter and the strategic positioning of the cone bores --n a line forwardly of the center of the cutter arch, the cutter is maintained in the most emcient cutting relationship with the comb throughout the range of tension adjustment. It

will also be noted that the novel spring construction not only permits the tension screw B1 to be more conveniently located, but it also achieves the degree of adjustable sensitivity that is highly desirable. This is possible through the use of long spring levers without sacrificing compactness in general design.

In operation. it will be seen that the oscillating portions of the-spring elemen are disposed to hold the cross-head yieldingly at its center position'. Thus, when movement in either direction is imparted by the crank shaft the dynamic inertia in either outward direction of the cutter and cross-head is counteracted by an optimum force provided through the laterally tensioned springs. It will also be seen that 4this spring force also coacts with the block 3l in returning the cross-head to the center position. The effects achieved by this compensating spring action promote smoother operation and a reduction in vibration through the reduced lateral thrust of the cross-head on the bearing block at either terminus of movement and through the more uniform application of motive power over the entire range of cutter movement.

Another feature of my invention is that the spring elements are made `up of a plurality oi' relatively thin pieces ofsheet spring steel making the laminated construction herein disclosed. With this construction the springs are able to withstand the amplitude and frequency of vibratory movement required without crystallizing or otherwise deteriorating. These spring elements by virtue of their construction are relatively stiff in a vertical plane to transmit the shearing stress to the cutter and flexible in a horizontal plane to provide the desired amount of both lateral resiliency. My invention contemplates plural laminations and in actual practice I have used three and four laminations satisfactorily, although only two are shown in Fig. 3, for convenience. Before assembly of the laminations of each set I prefer to form the outermost laminations by bending outwardly at about 6I, Fig. 8, so that they are under initial tension and tend to bind the laminations together. In operation, the bending movement of each spring element is adjacent to its rear and its forward ends substantially as shown in Fig. 7. While the spring elements constituting the tensioning and guiding means for the cutter have been described in their coacting relationship with a cross-head and an eccentrically mounted block on the end of a crank pin, substantially the same spring elements and pressure application means may be adapted to a different type of drive as,V for example, one in which the cutter is actuated by one end of a pivotally mounted lever.

The reduction gearing is lubricated by suitable lubricant in the reservoir 62 which is oil tight, a suitable oil seal (not shown) being provided between the motor casing and the reservoir. The crank shaft may be lubricated through van oil hole 63 which communicates with an annular groove 64 in the bushing and a radial hole 85 from the groove to the interior where the oil reaches the crank shafiphearings. This provides oil communication at any position of the bushing 28. Oil to the crank and cutter may be supplied through' the oil hole I8.

One of the outstanding -advantages of my invention is that friction on the blade operating and tensioning means is materially reduced. Over a range oi. operation from sayto 60 lbs. pressure between the comb and the cutter. tests have shown that my improved device operates at considerably less power input. The wattage requirement is low and the saving approximates one-half in current consumption. As a consequence my improved device may be operated under higher tensions without objectionable heating or high wattage consumption, or stalling of the motor.

Further advantages of my invention are in the 'novel construction and arrangement of parts.

This provides a particularly compact organization. Note the arrangement of the large main bearings for the crank shaft between the laterally spaced laminated springs, the wide comb support beyond the operating range of the springs, the long leverage of the springs and their dual purpose, thesensitive tension adjustment, the simple and durable casing structure designed to properly carry the forces and yet provide a protection to the parts, and the compactness of theentire assembly.

In the form of my invention shown in Figs. 11 to 14 inclusive, the laminated spring elements 61 have a stationary mounting as distinguished from the pivotal mounting in the first described form. Here, the -tension is applied directly against the comb. In other words. the tension is applied by pulling the comb upwardly against the cutter instead of pushing the cutter downwardly against the comb. In both cases, however, the shearing stress is carried through the spring elements. In the first instance the spring elements serve as the direct medium through which the tension is applied and in the second instance they serve as the medium through which the reaction force is transmitted to the supporting structure or casing.

Referring more particularly to Fig. 14, it will be seen that the laminated spring elements 61 are flxedly connected at their forward ends to a cross-head 68 which has cone point connections 69 with the cutter similar to the connections above described. Each spring element at its rear end is flxedly mounted to the supporting structure or casing 1| by means of screws 12, the rear ends of the spring elements fitting into slot-like openings in the underside of the cast body in somewhat similar fashion as in the first described form. Here, a different form of cutter driving means` is employed which eliminates spur gears and further reduces friction and power consumption. This driving means comprises a lever 13 having a hub portion 14 journalled on a vertical, stationary bearing shaft 15, best shown in Fig. 12. The lower end of this shaft is threaded into a bushing 16 which in turn is fixed to a bottom plate 11 which in turn is clamped to the underside of the casing by a pair of screws 18. The hub 1l has integral therewith` a rearwardly prolecting lever arm 19 which is pivoted at its rear end to an eccentric connecting link 8 l. This link 8| is reciprocated in a plane crosswise of the clipper head by means of an eccentric 82 carried by a worm gear 83 which is suitably joumalled in the casing and driven by a worm 84. This worm 84 corresponds with the motor driven pinion 22 in the first mentioned form and serves to oscillate the arm 19 and consequently the lever 13 which in turn reciprocates the cutter. The end of the lever 13 is bifurcated as shown to provide a resilient connection with the cross-head and to avoid lost motion in this connection. In this form, as in that first described, the driving mechanism is entirely housed within the oiltight reservoir 85. The bearing at the lower end of the rock-shaft 15 is eiectually sealed against loss of oil and a rubber gasket 86 provides an eective oil seal between the hub 14 and thecasing.

In this second form the tension between the cutter and the comb is applied by means of a screw 81 connected to the comb on the longitudinal center line and centrally of its archedportion 'I'he screw has a square head connection 88 fitting in a complemental opening in the comb and passes upwardly through appropriate openings in the cutter, the cross-head and the top portion 89 of the casing. A wing nut 9| threaded on the upper end of the screw 81 acts against a compression spring 92 and is adjustable on the screw to apply the tension. It will be manifest that as the nut 9| is turned down, putting the /spring 92 under compression, it will act to pull the screw upwardly to tighten the comb against the cutter, the resistance to this tension applying force being carried back through the crosshead and the spring elements to the casing or supportirm structure. 'I'he spring elements are, however, free to flex laterally at their forward ends in response to the oscillation of the driving lever 13, for guiding the cutter in its reciprocation. As shown in Fig. 13, the comb 10 has a single point fulcrurn against the bottom plate 11 and is located in proper alignment by means of pins 93 fixed to the end portions of the bottom plate and fitting in guide openings 94 in the comb. The single point fulcrum is provided by a small spherical portion 95 projecting from the bottom plate. As a result of this construction the comb has what might be termed a universal mounting in that it is free to tilt as about both a longitudinal and a transverse axis to accommodate the comb to the cutter and to equalize the application of tension lengthwise from end to end of the cutter.

In this second form the casing section 89 is removably seated on the main casing section 1i over a substantially semicircular area at its rear portion with the side walls of the casing section I extending well down over the side walls of the casing proper. The rear edge of said casing section 89 is turned inwardly as at 96 to provide a retaining ange extending continuously along the side walls and top wall and fitting in a complemental groove 91 in the casing proper. This is the only retaining means between the casing section 89 and the casing proper 1| except for the tension screw and nut. The tightening of the tension nut serves to tighten the casing section 89 on the casing proper by clamping the flanged edge 96 in the grooved portion.

It will be manifest that this modified form possesses the advantages of my invention prefaced above, particularly in the use of laminated spring elements arranged vertically to carry the shearing stress and flexible laterally -for guiding the cutter, and in the compact organization of coacting parts.

It should be apparent, nevertheless, that my invention in certain of its phases may be applied form herein disclosed except by limitations as may be imposed by the prior art and the appended claims, in which I claim:

1. In a clipping and shearing device of the character described, a comb, a cutter reciprocable on the comb, and means for guiding and tensioning the cutter including a spring element consisting of a plurality of spring laminations arranged to carry the shearing stress between the comb and the cutter and adapted to flex laterally for guiding the cutter.

2. In a clipping and shearingdevice, a comb and a cutter, means for reciprocating the cutter in a cutting action, and means for guiding and tensioning the cutter including a pair of spring elements, each consisting of a plurality of spring laminations arranged in a vertical plane to carry the shearing stress and to flex laterally for guiding the cutter in its reciprocation.

3. A device as set forth in claim 2 in which the spring elements are independently fulcrumed on pivot supports with capacity to transmit said shearing stress, and adjusting means including an equalizing bar acting against said spring e1ements to vary the tension in applying the shearing stress.

4. A device as set forth in claim 2, including a rigid cross-head serving as the immediate means to transmit said shearing stress and reciprocation to the cutter, and in which the spring elements are independently mounted at their rear ends and Ilxedly connected at their forward ends to the cross-head.

5. A device as set forth in claim 2, including a cross-head serving as the innnediate means to transmit said shearing stress and reciproeation to the cutter, and in which the spring elements are independently mounted at their rear ends and connected at their forward ends to the crosshead, the cross-head having depending cone points engaging in complemental cone bores in the top of the cutter for establishing tiltable conv nection between the cross-head and the cutter,

in other embodiments and it is not limited to the and driving means coacting with the cross-head intermediate the spring elements for reciprocating the cross-head and consequently the cutter through said cone points.

6. A device as set forth in claim 2, including a cross-head serving as theimmediate means to transmit said shearing stress and reciprocation to the cutter, and in which the spring elements are independently fulcrumed at their-rear ends and connected at their forward ends to the crosshead for transmitting said shearing stress and guiding the cutter in its reciprocation, each spring element having a reverse turn arm at its top extending forwardly from the fulcrum, and tension applying means acting against the forward ends of said arms to transmit the shearing tension.

'1. In a clipping and shearing device of the character described a comb, a cutter, means for guiding and tensioning the cutter in coaction with the comb including a laminated spring lever fulcrumed for movement in the plane of its laminations for transmitting tension to the cutter and flexible laterally for guiding the cutter in its reciprocation.

8. In a clipping and shearing device of the character described, a supporting structure, a comb having support on said structure, a cutter mounted to reciprocate on the comb, a plurality of spaced parallel leaf spring elements mounted at their rear ends on the supporting structure, a rigid cross-head xed to the forward `.ing with the cutter, means for reciprocating the cross-head, a pair of spaced spring elements pivotally mounted rearwardly on an axis substantially parallel tctsaisl`4 cutter movement and each fastened at its forward end to the cross-head, the

cross-head andv cutter being guided by 'said spring elements and capable of being tensioned therethrough, and substantially non-frictional and equalizing means for applying Vthe tension equally to the said spring melements to control the pressure between the comb and cutter bladfes.

10. In a clipping andshearing devic'eofthe character described, a comb, a cutter reciprocable on the comb, a plurality of U-shaped leaf springs in spaced and parallel relation arranged to provide upper and lower lever arms, the springs being pivotally mounted rearwardly on an axis substantially parallel to said cutter movement, means for engaging the forward end of each lower arm of each spring element with the cutter so that the cutter is guided thereby and capable of being tensioned therethrough, and equalizing means for applying downward pressure equally to the upper arms of the springs to control the pressure between the cutter and the comb.

11. In a clipping and shearing device of the character described, a comb, a cutter reciprocable on the comb, a plurality of U-shaped leaf springs in spaced and parallel relation arranged to provide upper and lower lever arms, the springs being pivotally mounted rearwardly on an axis substantially parallel to said cutter movement, means for engaging the forward end of each lower arm of each spring element with the cutter so that the cutter is guided thereby and capable of being tensioned therethrough, each of the said springs consisting of a plurality of `spring leaf strips making a laminated construction, and equalizing means for applying downward pressure equally to the upper arms of the springs to control the pressure between the cutter and the comb.

12. In a clipping and shearing device, a cutter, a comb, a cross-head for reciprocating the comb and applying tension thereto, a pair of parallel spring elements connected tothe crosshead, a crank shaft intermediate and parallel with the spring elements and having connection with the cross-head for reciprocating the same, a tension cross-bar operative between the spring elements for applying tension to the cutter, an adjusting screw coasting with the cross-bar to apply said tension, and a single piece casting providing a supporting body for said parts having integral therewith portions providing mounting for the comb, mounting for the spring elements, mounting for the crank shaft, and mounting for the adjusting screw.

13. In a clipping and shearing device, a supporting body, a comb mounted thereon, a cutter reciprocable on the comb, a pair of laterally spaced leaf-spring elements in planes perpendicular to the comb, each spring element fulcrumed at its rear end on the body and connected at its forward end with the cutter for transmitting shearing stress thereto by movement upon its fulcrum, each spring element between its fulcrum and forward end adapted for flexing laterally to yieldingly resist the cutter movement at opposite sides of its center position, tension means mounted on the body for acting against the spring elements in applying the shearing stress, means mounted on the body intermediate the spring elements for reciprocating the cutter,.the body being substantially closed ori-.dts top side and being shaped on its undersidento-'provide slotreception of the spring elements.

14. In a clipping and shearing device of the character described, a comb, a cutter reciprocable on the comb, means for guiding and tensioning the cutter including a pair of laminated spring elements each consisting of a plurality of spring laminations to carry the shearing stress between the comb and the cutter and adapted to ex laterally for guiding the cutter, the laminations of each spring being under initial tension tending to bind the laminations together, and adjustable means for varying the tension between the comb and the cutter, in which adjustment waysgatiheourslde fsaid drive means for the shearing stress is carried through said spring elements.

`15. In a clipping and shearing device, a comb, a cutter reciprocable onthe comb, a pair of spring elements each consisting of a plurality of spring laminations in vertical planes, each spring element being xedly mounted at its rear end, a cross-head fixedly connecting the forward ends of the spring elements one to the other, means for reciprocating the cross-head, a connection between the cross-head and the cutter whereby the latter is reciprocated by the former, and means for flexing the comb'against the cutter for applying tension between the comb and the cutter, the parts being arranged so that the rey action force of the tension is carried through the spring elements.

16. A clipping and shearing device as set forth in claim 15, in which the comb is mounted for universal movement on a. fulcrum point located substantially on the medialcenter of the device rearward of the tension application.

17. A clipping and shearing device as set forth in claim 15, in which the cutter driving means includes a lever fulcrumed to oscillate about a vertical axis located intermediate the spring elements and having a forwardly extending arm operatively connected with the cross-head for reciprocating the same and a rearwardly extending arm, a driving worm and a worm gear driven thereby, an eccentric on the worm gear, and a transversely extending connecting link between said eccentric and said rearwardly extending lever arm whereby said lever is oscillated by rotary drive input of the worm.

18. A clipping and shearing device as set forth in claim l5, including a casing proper to which the spring elements are iixedly mounted, a forward casing section removably mounted on the casing proper, and in which the tension applying means includes a tension screw acting between the comb and the forward casing section.

19. A clipping and shearing device as set forth in claim 15, including a casing proper to which the spring elements are iixedly mounted, a forward casing section removably mounted on the casing proper, and in which the tension applying means includes a tension screw acting between the comb and the forward casing section, the forward casing section having an inwardly turnedflange at its rear edge extending along the sides and top of the casing proper and ntting in complemental grooves of said casing proper for removably retaining the forward section of the casing on the casing proper. y

20. In a.v clipping and shearing device, a supporting structure, a pair of spring elements each consisting of a plurality of spring laminations in vertical planes, each spring element being fixedly mounted at its rear end on the supporting structure so that its forward portion is adapted for flexing laterally, a cross-head interposed between and fixed to the forward ends of the spring elements, a cutter located beneath the cross-head and in driving connection therewith so as to be reciprocated laterally thereby, a comb located beneath the cutter and having supporting connection on the supporting structure, a tension screw connected to the comb and passing upwardly through the cutter, the cross-head and the supporting structure. a nut threaded on the upper end of the screw, and a compression spring interposed between the nut and the supporting structure, the tightening of said nut serving to apply tension between the comb and the cutter and the reaction force of said tension being carried through the spring elements.

21. A shearing device having a comb, a cutter, a pair of laterally spaced spring elements each comprising a plurality of spring laminations, a rigid cross-head iixedly connected to the springs at one end thereof, and a motion-transmitting connection between'the cross-head and the cutter, the spring laminations being arranged to carry the shearing stress between the comb and the cutter and to iiex laterally for guiding the cut'- ter.

22. A shearing device having a comb, a cutter, a pair of laterally spaced spring elements each comprising a plurality of spring laminations, a rigid cross-head lixedly connected to the springs at one end thereof, and a motion-transmitting connection between each end portion of the crosshead and the cutter comprising a cone point and a complemental cone bore, the spring laminations being arranged to carry the shearing stress between the comb and thexcutter and to flex laterally for guiding the cutter.

23. A clipping and shearing device of that type in which a cutter is reciprocated with respect to a comb while being tensioned With respect to the comb through springs, including tensioning spring elements arranged to carry the shearing stress and adapted to flex laterally for guiding the cutter and each consisting of a plurality of spring laminations, and adjustable means for varying the tension between the comb and the cutter, the shearing stress being carried through the spring elements in this adjustment.

24. A clipping and shearing device of that type in which a cutter is reciprocated With respect to a comb while being tensioned with respect tothe comb through springs, spring elements arranged to carry the shearing stress and adapted to iiex laterally for guiding the cutter and each consisting of a plurality of spring laminations, adjustable means for varying the tension between the comb and the cutter, the shearing stress being carried through thespring elements in this adjustment, and a rigid crosshead -operating between the spring elements for applying tension to the cutter, the connection between the cross-head and the cutter comprising a pair of cone points tting in complemental cone bores, the tension regulating means: for

including tensioning Vthe comb and cutter acting substantially without friction through the laminated spring elements to regulate the tension.

25. A clipping and shearing device having a -pair of laterally spaced spring elements each comprising a plurality of spring laminations, a rigid cross-head connecting one end of the spring elements, and cone points on the cross-head adapted to t in complementa] bores in a cutter.

26. A clipping and shearing device having a comb, a cutter, a pair of laterally spaced spring elements each comprising a plurality of spring laminations, a. rigid cross-head connecting one end of the spring elements, cone points on the cross-head adapted to nt in complemental bores in the cutter, power operated means acting against the cross-head intermediate the spring. elements to impart reciprocation laterally thereto, and adjustable means for imparting tension between the cutter and the comb arranged so that the tension stress is operative through the laminated spring elements.

27. A clipping and shearing device having a comb, a cutter, a pair of laterally spaced spring elements each comprising a plurality of spring laminations, a rigid cross-head connecting one end of the spring elements and having motiontransmitting connection with the cutter, power operated means including a drive shaft located between and parallel with the spring elements and having a crank acting against the cross-head intermediate the spring elements to impart reciprocation laterally thereto, and adjustable means for imparting tension between the cutter and the comb arranged so that the tension stress is operative through the laminated spring elements. i

28. A clipping and shearing device having a comb, a cutter, a pair of laterally spaced spring elements each comprising a plurality of spring laminations shaped to provide an arm adapted for exing laterally and an arm adapted for non-flexing, a rigid cross-head connecting the ilexing arms and having motion-transmitting means engaging the cutter, power operated means acting against the cross-head intermediate the spring elements to impart reciprocation laterally thereto for reciprocating the cutter, and adjustable means acting against said non-ilexing arms for imparting tension between the comb and the cutter arranged so that the tension stress is operative through the laminated spring elements.

29. A clipping and shearing device having a comb, a cutter, a pair of spring elements arranged in vertical, laterally spaced relation, a rigid cross-head connecting one end of the elements and having cone points fitting in bores in the cutter, means supporting the spring elements from the opposite end, power operated means acting against the cross-head to reciprocate the cutter laterally, and adjustable means for applying tension between the comb and the cutter, the parts being constructed and arranged so that the tension stress is operative through the crosshead and the spring elements.

30. A clipping and shearing device having a comb, a cutter, mechanism for reciprocating the cutter while tensioning it against the comb, including laterally spaced spring elements through which the tension stress is operative and a transverse equalizing bar acting against the spring elements to apply said tension, a casing structure for said parts having an opening providing access to said equalizing bar, a plate removably mounted onthe 4casing-structure to cover said opening, andan adjusting screw mounted 4on the plate and acting against the equalizing bar for adjusting said tension.

31. A clipping and shearing device having a comb, a cutter, a pair of laterally spaced spring elements, a cross-head connecting said elements at one end and having motion-transmitting engagement with the cutter, power operated means acting against the cross-head to reciprocate the cutter laterally, adjustable means for applying tension between the comb and the cutter with the tension stress operative through the crosshead and the spring elements, and a casing structure supporting said parts in operative relation and constructed and arranged so that the comb, the cutter, and the said unit of assembly are respectively removable from operative po tive between the cross-head and they," cutter whereby the cutter is reciprocated and guided by flexing of the springs and whereby the shear` ing tension stress is operative through the springs.

33l A clipping and shearing device having al comb, a cutter, 'and means `f r reciprocating the cutter on the comb while a plyingshearing tension between'the comb and the cutterincluding resilient means for guiding the cutter in its saidv reciprocation and through which the shearing tension is operative, the resilient means being provided with a pair of motion-transmitting members engaging the cutter at points spaced are maintained in non-sliding engagement with the cutter incident to imparting said reciprocation, said engagement nevertheless permitting accommodation of the cutter and comb relatively only as incident to seating one against the IVAR JEPSON.

other. 

